Before you can add shades of detail to your look, make sure to treat your
skin right with the proper cleansing regimen.

As
you head into the fall pageant season, remember that the foundation
of any beautiful look is healthy, blemish-free skin. A smooth, polished
complexion starts with the right foods, the right amount of exercise,
plenty of sleep, and a skin care program suited to your needs.

Many experts suggest that eight glasses of water,
lots of fruits and vegetables, and a good night's sleep get you off
to a good start. Once you've got the basics of health, you need to set
up a skin-care routine that suits your skin type.

Don't
forget your neck, shoulders, and legs when you exfoliate. They'll
be bared for the pageant and will benefit from a good polishing.

Begin your skin regimen with cleaning and exfoliating.
Morning and night, use an oil-free cleanser to reduce the risk of clogged
pores. Follow it with a toner to remove residue and shrink pores.

Depending on your skin type, exfoliate with a
good scrub two to four times a week. This will remove dead cells and
leave your skin brighter and smoother. And don't forget your neck, shoulders,
and legs when you exfoliate. They'll be bared for the pageant and will
benefit from a good polishing. Choose a gentle body polisher, such as
a salt- or sugar-based product that contains moisturizers as well as
exfoliators.

Choose your moisturizer to fit your skin type.
If dryness is a problem, select a moisturizer, usually a cream, rich
in emollients. On the other hand, oily skin will benefit from an oil-free
product such as a lotion that contains humectants such as glycerin or
lactic acid rather than an emollient.

When a late night-before leaves you feeling a
bit droopy with puffy eyes, turn to a product that contains an anti-inflammatory
ingredient as well as moisturizers. It is also well to select a product
that can be worn under makeup.

Give yourself a sun-kissed look without the dangers
of the sun or a tanning bed. You'll find a host of bronzers out there
in both powder and cream formulations. The powder is easier to control:
just stroke cheek bones, nose, forehead  anywhere the sun would
touch  with a soft, sable brush. If you prefer a dewy look, pick
a cream bronzer, smooth it on with care, and blend with a sponge.

With polished, healthy-looking skin, you've got
a head start on any beauty look you choose.

Ernie
McCraw is
director of beauty for Sally Beauty Company, the world's largest distributor
of professional beauty products. A licensed cosmetologist for more
than 30 years, he is frequently asked by newspapers and national fashion
and beauty magazines for beauty advice.